{
  "id": 5148989,
  "title": "Kusal Mendis named captain as Sri Lanka announce T20I and ODI squads for England tour",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/02/kusal-mendis-named-captain-as-sri-lanka-announce-t20i-and-odi-squads",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-02T19:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/kusal-mendis-named-captain-sri-190000780.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled its 16-member squads for the upcoming white-ball tour of England, with Kusal Mendis appointed as the captain for both T20I and ODI formats. Mendis will be supported by deputy captain Charith Asalanka, who will guide the teams through three T20Is and three ODIs against England between September 15 and 27. The squads comprise a blend of experienced players and debutants, including off-spinner Tharindu Rathnayake, making his white-ball debut for the T20I series. Leg-spinner Sachindu Colombage, at 28 years old, has earned his first international call-up for the ODI squad.\n\nFor the T20I team, Mendis will be joined by senior players such as Pathum Nissanka, Kamindu Mendis, Asalanka, Dasun Shanaka, and Wanindu Hasaranga. The bowling attack will feature experienced bowlers like Maheesh Theekshana, Dushmantha Chameera, and Eshan Malinga, with the addition of Tharindu Rathnayake and Nuwan Thushara to the squad. In the ODI squad, Kusal Mendis continues as captain, backed by a pace attack led by Pavan Rathnayake, alongside Sachindu Colombage, who has been called up for his international debut. Other notable players in the ODI squad include Dasun Shanaka, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dunith Wellalage, Maheesh Theekshana, and the experienced duo of Asitha Fernando and Dilshan Madushanka.",
  "summary": "Sri Lanka Cricket has unveiled its squads for the highly anticipated England tour. Kusal Mendis is set to lead both the T20I and ODI teams, with Charith Asalanka stepping in as his deputy for both formats. Notably, Tharindu Rathnayake and Sachindu Colombage have been called up for their first taste of white-ball cricket. The tour will showcase three T20Is and three ODIs starting September 15.",
  "key_points": [
    "Kusal Mendis appointed as T20I and ODI captain for England tour",
    "Charith Asalanka named deputy captain for both formats",
    "Mendis leads squads with mix of veterans and debutants"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}